Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

Aldon Smith redshirted in 2008 and thus is eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft. After being told by NFL evaluators that he was projected as a second round pick, the 6-4 defensive end and outside linebacker opted to skip out on his last two seasons at Missouri and give the NFL a shot. An injury in 2010 that caused Smith to miss three games is a major concern since he has relatively little game experience compared to many fellow defensive ends. The one thing Smith does have is potential.

During Smith's two years in Columbia, he put up some superb numbers. As a redshirt freshman in 2010 he tallied 64 tackles, 19.0 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks. As a result he was named to just about everybody's First-Team Freshman All-American squad and won the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year award. In 2010 Smith was facing more double teams, but he still managed to tally 48 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks in just ten games. This time Smith earned some more postseason accolades, including Big 12 First-Team honors.

Smith certainly has the skills to move up into the first round -- he is quick and strong and is one of those players who will perform well across the board in the pre-draft workouts. Having potential is nice, but Smith has proven that he can get to the quarterback. His youth and lack of experience may not make him an immediate impact player, but he could be a dominating pass rusher sooner than later.

3/25 Update: Many scouts are split on Smith. He certainly has a ton of potential and some great tape, but some question his quickness and burst. All it takes is one team for Smith to be selected in the middle of the first round and that is likely where he will end up. Smith is a better fit as a rush outside linebacker in a 3-4 team, so that will limit his possible landing spots. St. Louis will be eyeing him with the 14th overall pick, but if they pass on him, Smith could slide down to the later part of the first round.